The Pros and Cons of IV Drip

IV drip therapy is hardly a new medical treatment. Its elementary stages began in the 1800s but became more standardized and widely used by the 1950s. While its original purpose was to provide blood transfusions, now it is frequently used to hydrate patients and provide essential vitamins and nutrients. Many influencers are touting its efficacy in treating migraines and jet lag and improving energy levels. 

With so many apparent benefits, we have to ask why everyone isn’t receiving intravenous hydration therapy. The distribution process is more complicated than other treatment options, and patients must assess the pros and the cons of an IV drip to determine if it’s the best solution for their needs.

Pros

IV therapy is a safe and sanitary procedure that has few side effects and provides nearly instantaneous results. It has a 100% efficacy rate compared to oral forms of treatment like electrolyte water and over-the-counter vitamins, which your body does not fully absorb.

Its efficiency speeds the healing process, allowing people to witness immediate pain relief and recovery from nutritional deficiencies. In life-threatening emergencies, it is the fastest way to combat severe dehydration. Physicians often use IV to administer chemotherapy to patients, as it targets cancerous cells. IV drip can treat patients with severe nutritional deficiencies caused by conditions like anorexia nervosa or bulimia if they are unable or struggle to consume food orally. 

Perhaps the most compelling benefit of IV drip therapy is that it is customizable according to the patient’s specific needs. Do you need to detox fatigue and abdominal discomfort? Your physician can include hydrating electrolytes alongside anti-nausea or heartburn medication in the injection solution. Craving an antioxidant reset? You can pump vitamin C, glutathione, and electrolytes directly into your bloodstream. 

Certain companies also make IV therapy accessible from the comfort of your home or office space. After conducting a telehealth appointment and assessing your needs, a licensed professional can bring all the necessary supplies to your desired location, allowing you to recover without waiting in a medical facility.

Although IV therapy sounds like a miraculous treatment option and comes with undeniable benefits, it has its downsides.

Cons

Does the thought of getting a flu shot make you queasy? Can you not stand to watch a piercer or tattoo artist bring their tools close to your skin? According to its nature, IV drip requires needle injections, which can cause stress in individuals who fear needles. 

Depending on the solution and the individual receiving treatment, high doses of vitamins may lead to headaches, and the injection site may develop a rash. While there are rarely any further complications when patients receive treatment from qualified professionals, severe side effects such as blood clots and air embolisms can occur when safety conditions are not met.

Though IV treatments act rapidly, they are not long-term solutions and can be inconvenient for treating minor health issues. For example, if an individual has a vitamin deficiency as a result of a poor diet, they must introduce more food groups to compensate for this lack. They should not rely on consistent IV drip procedures. While the effects are nearly immediate, they tend to last only for a couple of weeks, depending on the concoction. 

Additionally, though it’s possible to receive an IV drip at home in certain areas, it’s not accessible for all individuals. You must also set aside about 45 minutes to receive treatment. You may find that buying electrolyte water and taking power naps does enough to boost your energy levels. IV therapy can also be expensive compared to other treatment options. You must pay for the supplies and qualified personnel and fund blood tests to determine which vitamins, nutrients, and medications you need.

IV drip is a safe treatment, but it’s best to consult a doctor before choosing to administer an IV drip to yourself or others in cases that are not life-threatening. Pre-existing medical conditions can impact a patient’s response, and an overabundance of vitamins can lead to adverse health effects. 

Conclusion

IV therapy is no longer just a lifesaver. It is a life enhancer. It’s an accessible option for generally healthy individuals who need an energy or immune system boost. Our bodies can sometimes use the extra help as they try to maintain and balance our nutrient levels and fight off infection. Individuals can choose whether or not the pros outweigh the cons as they look into receiving intravenous drip therapy.